April 2018 – Cork Mountaineering Club

Seven Heads: This is a circular walk (approximately 12 kms) beginning and ending in Butlerstown with shortcut options. Twenty-four members set out from the Old School/Community Centre in glorious sunshine and headed east to Narry’s Cross where there are 180 degree views east to the Old Head of Kinsale and West to Galley Head. From there it was south to the ancient village of Shanagh and then on to the old famine road (very, very muddy in places) eventually reaching Travara Cove. Here lunch was enjoyed in idyllic conditions sitting on rocks by the sea, a crystal-clear babbling brook adding to the relaxing serenade. The route then led uphill to Carrigeen Cross Roads and then west to Dunworly Bridge with a short diversion to the beach. There was sunshine and extremely mild conditions for the entire walk. It is a truly beautiful area with expansive sea views, colourful houses, rolling farmland, stone ditches, wind sculpted bushes, interesting history and last but not least friendly people.

Comeraghs via Coumshingaun: We were truly blessed with the weather, walk and company on the Comeraghs last Sunday. The sun shone all day, the sky was blue, the air was crisp and the visibility sharp. The company was delightful! We, eleven in total, departed a very full Kilcloony carpark at 10.30 and returned at 16.30 slightly sunburned and very happy. The ascent on the south side of Coumshingaun was, as always, lovely. The “rock gendarmes “are a treat. There were some snow remnants on top which made the going underfoot on the usually soft boggy plateau firm and added to the vistas. We had lots of company on the hill all day and seldom have we seen the Comeraghs so busy. The excellent visibility made the navigation easy but a recent recce was a great reassurance.

Sunday 11 March 2018: Nagles Mountains ~ Cloghvolia Circuit

A seasoned party of 14 CMC members started out at 11.00 a.m. A 10 minute walk uphill to the forest entrance and then a rough path led us past trailing furze still drooping from the weight of recent snows before we emerged onto the forestry road that twisted unremittingly upwards. Bursts of Spring sunshine brought colour to the hillsides and the winding valley now far below. We summited at 12.20 and welcomed an early lunch break in the sun. Resuming, the trail now levelled off and contoured through maturing forestry before emerging into a jumble of broken and shattered trees left by Storm Ophelia last October. Now the roadway, rough and ever-descending, emerged into a newly-felled area with long cross-country views over the Blackwater Valley and before long we found ourselves back on the main road. A group of four horse riders overtook us then and we called out “Any tips for Cheltenham”! “SupaSunday” he said, “Runs on Thursday”. We had a super Sunday too!

Sunday 25 February 2018 Galtees/ Lyracappul

The route went by forestry tracks up from King’s Yard and then dropped down to the fast-flowing Behanagh River, from where the group of twelve climbed to Knockaterriff, aided by a following easterly wind. A chilly lunch was eaten on the leeward side, with some shelter from the arched construction. On over Knockaterriff Beg, and a stiff climb in a cold cross-wind to the top of Lyracappul. The going underfoot was firm, the Galty wall provided some respite from the chilling wind and the group continued to the foot of Galtymore. For the first time that day the compass came out to get us back directly to King’s yard via Knockduff. A very satisfying day’s walk.

Sunday 18 February 2018: Coumbaun Wood.

The original Bernard Loop walk was modified due to wet and muddy ground conditions. 19 people completed the walk in misty and wet conditions which unfortunately meant there were no views of the Galtees or the Glen of Aherlow. The mist was clearing as the walk ended. Under foot conditions were good due to the fact that forest tracks were used. Despite the weather, it was an enjoyable day with plenty of fresh air for four hours. Most people went for dinner afterwards.

Sunday 11 February (two walks)

Carrantuohil via O’Shea’s Gully Only two members were brave enough to undertake this, given the heavy snow conditions as they were leaving Cronin’s Yard. However, the skies cleared as they tramped through the Hag’s Glen and the weather was much better than the forecasts predicted. Going up O’Shea’s Gully was challenging due to the deep and soft snow: it was more a scramble than a climb. The rest of the ascent to the top of Carrauntoohil was windy and icy, but there was no turning back at that stage. The descent was via the Heavenly Gates. In this case, the snow actually made coming down easier, as it was less daunting. They retraced their steps through the Hag’s Glen, returning to Cronin’s Yard in 5.5 hours.

Muisire Mór: Fourteen members gathered at the starting point. Initial flurries of wind and snow did not dampen enthusiasm, but the skies darkened quite quickly. Soon there were snow blizzard conditions and difficult driving. Some of the group turned back altogether; the remainder continued towards Macroom via the Kerryman’s Table and Millstreet Nature Park. The group then enjoyed a road walk in the Macroom area. Safety prevails!

Sunday 04 February 2018: Gleann Ré Circuit

A lovely day, enjoyed by 11 members. Having walked in the track, examined the Famine cottages and crossed the river, there was a “nice little rise” to the ridge, using the forest as a handrail. Along the ridge and down through the forest led to the Galty Castle carpark with its wonderful bridge and lookout post. The group continued under the bridge, followed the river to the road and picked up the Attychraan path back to King’s Yard.

Sunday 28 January 2018: Crohane

Fourteen members climbed Crohane (659m) in fair weather and with magnificent views. It’s a grand steady climb up to the 500m contour line, when it gets a bit steeper for the final push to the summit. Even though the sky was quite cloudy, there was a rainbow all day which gave rise to conversation, as members tried to remember the colours of the rainbow. The group also spotted a sparrowhawk.

Sunday 21 January 2018: Boggeragh Mountains/ Laharan Cross

Twenty members enjoyed this walk, which started at Bweeng crossroads. They continued through forest along the Duhallow Way, then on to Bweengduff (416m), Bweeng Little, Laharan and Bailiocke mountains as far as Laharn Cross, site of the famous platform dances. Conditions had been misty to start, but it soon cleared and there were fantastic views of the North Cork plains.

Sunday 14 January 2018 (two routes):

Comeraghs/ Monaghvullaghs (longer route) Nine enthusiastic members (including one “newbie”) climbed from Dalligan Bridge to Barnamadra, where they stopped to examine the famous Standing Stone and ring fort. Breath recovered, they made a push for Seefin (726m) assisted by a blustery wind, and had lunch beside the ugly summit hut. The rain was well in at this stage but, as their planned route led down into the valley, they continued in relative shelter among the archaeological sites. It was too wet for detailed exploration, so they headed on down to their cars.

Comeraghs/ Monavullaghs (shorter route) Seven equally enthusiastic but slightly slower members also started at Dalligan Bridge. They climbed at a leisurely pace up to the ridge at 617m, and the sorry sight of the rusting TV cable station.
Here, they got the full force of the wind and rain, but they continued bravely to Barnamadra where they had lunch among the stone circles. At this point they were soaked to the bone, so turned and headed down. The two groups met for coffee afterwards and there was some competition as to which group had got wetter.

Sunday 07 January 2018: Darragh Hills Loop